Jessica Steinberg

Passover in Palestine—memories of seders in an Israel on the cusp of statehood

Published on April 17, 2008

On the eve of Passover 1948, Rabbi Moshe Saks, known as Bud to his family and friends, was stationed in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood, trying to figure out how to get Passover supplies and ammunition to the embattled Haganah soldiers in the Makor Haim neighborhood.

LimmudLA: 4,000 years of Jewish history in one hour

Published on January 24, 2008

In the space of an hour -- plus an extra 10 to 15 minutes thrown in for good measure -- David Solomon outlines the 4,000 years of Jewish history, from 2000 B.C.E. to the present. Each white paper wall represents 1,000 years, and as Solomon moves from Abraham to the 12 tribes, Moses, the prophets, the First and Second Temples, the Babylonian exile and the "PR stunt" of Chanukah, he works the room, swiveling the audience in its seats as he races from one side of the room to another.

Black Eyed Peas and the Commitments rock the walls of Jerusalem

Published on September 20, 2007

"We're missing the MTV Awards for this because we feel it's a very important 'cause ... this is the Holy Land," said Fergie. It was the Black Eyed Peas' second concert in Israel, having performed in Tel Aviv last summer. But it was their first time performing in Jerusalem, where they headlined Jerusalem Rocks! a nonprofit international music festival celebrating peace and unity.

Three Israeli entries vie for honors at 60th Cannes International Film Festival

Published on May 10, 2007

With three Israeli films competing at this year's 60th Cannes International Film Festival, running May 16-27, as well as several Israeli student films, Israel Film Fund director Katriel Schory credits the country's success to the "strength and power of our stories."

Minimalist Keret Reads

Published on April 5, 2007

Etgar Keret is coming to Los Angeles, but fear not. This brilliant young Israeli writer of his generation, a skillful satirist who seems to have a knack for expressing the emotions, thoughts and language of his peers, has not gone completely Hollywood.

Israel’s ‘grande dame’ grows up on the big screen

Published on March 1, 2007

There is a scene in Dina Zvi-Riklis' award-winning drama, "Three Mothers," in which Gila Almagor, once a popular singer, stages a comeback concert to raise money for her sister, Yasmin, who needs a kidney transplant. At the start of the concert, she introduces herself as one of three sisters. "Sixty years ago, my sisters and I were born in Alexandria, in Egypt. We're triplets," she says, with a coy smile. "Triplets are like twins, but a lot harder."

Hashem, Allah and Jesus in Jerusalem

Published on February 24, 2005

The group stood in silence, heads bowed. The triumvirate of Catholic, Episcopal and Presbyterian ministers waited for responses within the prayer circle at the Cenacle (the upper room), the traditional site of the Last Supper, on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem.

A Taxing Double Dip

Published on November 28, 2002

It took Herb and Barbara Greenberg 10 years to realize their dream of making aliyah so they could live near their children and grandchildren.

Can’t Stop ‘Moment’

Published on June 20, 2002

"You can't plan too much, because you really don't know what tomorrow will bring."

Israel Counts Largest Death Toll

Published on April 4, 2002

It was a day of funerals, as Israel buried 14 victims from Sunday's suicide bombing attack in a Haifa restaurant.

Tourists Pass on Israeli Passover

Published on March 7, 2002

It's known as the holiday of freedom, but Passover this year in Israel will likely be remembered for its sense of restriction.

Israeli Court: Liberal Conversions OK

Published on February 21, 2002

Non-Orthodox Jews both inside and outside Israel are celebrating a historic court ruling recognizing Reform and Conservative conversions as valid and binding upon the Jewish state.

Israel Struggles to Find Enough Water

Published on January 24, 2002

Many Jews know that on Tu B'Shevat -- the Jewish new year for trees, which falls this year on Jan. 28 -- you can plant a tree. In the future, however, you may be able to buy a water certificate.

To Stay or Go?

Published on November 29, 2001

Yossi Cohen, a Tel Aviv taxi driver, is taking it easy these days. He has been slicing time from his usual 10-hour shifts because there just aren't many clients out there.

Israel: Key Player in War on Terrorism

Published on September 20, 2001

As the U.S. ally with the greatest experience IN fighting terrorism, Israel is likely to play a key role in the planned international war on terrorism.

The Year In Review

Published on September 13, 2001

A year ago at this time, just before Rosh Hashana, Israel still held out hope for peace with the Palestinians, even though they had spurned former Prime Minister Ehud Barak's unprecedented generous offer at the Camp David summit in July 2000.

Maccabiah Games Come to a Close

Published on July 26, 2001

The 16th Maccabiah Games ended with a lot of fanfare, flaming batons and fireworks -- and a sigh of relief from the organizers that the much-anticipated event had ended safely and without mishap.

Let the Games Begin

Published on July 12, 2001

This year, because of ongoing Israeli-Palestinian violence, only some 2,000 athletes from 40 countries are expected to attend the 16th Games, which have been shortened to seven days.

Training for Terror

Published on May 17, 2001

The ISA was founded by David Mirza, a former high-ranking security officer who, like most of his 30 instructors, is still active in the Israeli security forces.